It was a striking contrast from the fierce determination he'd shown minutes earlier, when Camarena - who lost control of the right side of his body after a 2003 stroke - surged to the finish line ahead of some friends.

After all, Camarena, who is 51 and lives in San Juan Capistrano, works with frequently with those friends, and he credits them - along with volunteers and staff who work with them at PossAbilities - for his continuing recovery.

PossAbilities is a program developed by Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus to give disabled individuals practical help and a sense of community.

More than 800 people, some with life-altering injuries and some able-bodied, completed the 3.1-mile run, 11-mile bike ride and 150-yard swim.

Some of them - like Camarena, who completed much of the course on a tricycle - finished the race in nontraditional ways, but they all sent a powerful message, said Michael Jackson, administrator of the east campus.

"The key is to send a message of hope to people. If they suffer an injury, they can go on to a fulfilling and high-quality life," Jackson said. "They've become our heroes."

The event also included a 5K run.

"I'd like to have done the triathlon or run a little faster," said Beaumont resident Gene Mastas, 57, after completing the 5K.

Mastas, who runs with a brace because he is missing a piece of his leg, recently completed the Los Angeles Marathon. But he, too, was full of smiles and congratulations for fellow athletes.

"I'm happy to be here," he said. "Anyone who gets off the couch is a winner."